Top Tips On How To Protect Your Child’s Back This School Term

When it comes to getting the kids ready to go back to school after the summer holidays, it’s often a race against the clock to get school uniforms, stationery and books ready in time. But one other thing parents mustn’t forget to check is whether their child’s back will be protected during another jam-packed year.

A recent study found that 37% of 13-year-olds and 47% of 15-year-olds have experienced low back pain. Other studies found that by the age of 14-17 years, up to 71% have experienced at least one episode of back pain.

To better protect your child’s back for the new school term, here are a few tips from the British Chiropractic Association, on how you can help to alleviate your child’s aches and pains.

The perfect fit

It’s essential to ensure that children are using a good school bag and that the one they do use is not too heavy, as these factors can have an effect on their posture and contribute to back and neck pain, not only now but also later on in adult life.

There are two types of bag that are recommended: a ‘cross-body’ bag with a wide padded adjustable strap, or a rucksack with two wide padded adjustable straps. In both cases, the bag should be worn properly and not suspended from one shoulder or carried in one hand.

Bag it up

Children should also only be packing the essential items in their bag, making sure the weight of the contents is distributed evenly. Heavier items should be placed at the top of the bag so that the shoulders aren’t pulled backwards, which can create discomfort and more imbalance.

If your child has a habit of over-packing, try spending just a few minutes every evening helping them to pack their school bag.

Get active

Encouraging regular physical activity is so important to your child’s well-being and can reduce their chances of experiencing low back pain. After a long day at school sitting down at their desks or staring at a computer screen, try and get your child to spend their downtime doing something active like running or rugby.

Being active for just 60 minutes a day is linked to better general health, stronger bones and muscles and higher levels of self-esteem.

The top things to remember are to stop your children from carrying unnecessary loads and encourage them to be active when they can, helping to make the start to the school year that little bit more comfortable for them and their backs.